Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for about an hour and a half on Wednesday morning, demanding the restoration of the Gazipur-6 parliamentary seat.
The blockade began around 9:30 a.m. at Tongi College Gate, halting traffic in both directions and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Commuters, office-goers, and transport workers were stuck for hours as protesters occupied the busy highway.
Witnesses said hundreds of BNP supporters and locals gathered early in the morning carrying banners and placards reading “Restore Gazipur-6 seat” and chanting slogans demanding reinstatement of the constituency. The protest continued until 11 a.m.
Rejecting the recent court order that annulled the seat, local BNP leaders said the decision “deprives citizens of their voting rights.” During the protest, participants burned tires on the road, worsening the traffic congestion.
At the same time, Jamaat-e-Islami supporters and locals formed a human chain near Asia Pump, voicing the same demand. Their banners read, “Restore Gazipur-6 seat, ensure citizens’ fair service.” Speakers at the demonstration warned that scrapping the seat would hamper local development and disrupt public services.
Law enforcement officials deployed additional forces in Tongi College Gate, Station Road, and surrounding areas to prevent escalation.
Officer-in-Charge Md. Wahiduzzaman of Tongi Purbo Police Station said the protesters cleared the road following discussions with authorities, allowing traffic to gradually resume.
Source: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
